The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountains.

In a small village, there lived an elderly man named Yugong (愚公), who was renowned for his stubbornness and determination. He lived near two large mountains, Taihang and Wangwu, which obstructed the way to his home and made it difficult for his family and neighbors to travel to nearby areas. Despite their size, Yugong was determined to remove the mountains.

One day, Yugong gathered his family and neighbors and declared, “I will move these mountains!” His family and friends were shocked by his bold statement. They pointed out that he was old and frail, and the mountains were colossal and would take an eternity to move, if it was even possible. However, Yugong remained resolute.

The Plan

Undeterred by the doubts of others, Yugong devised a plan. He enlisted the help of his sons and grandsons, and together they began to dig away at the mountains, removing dirt and rocks day by day. As they worked tirelessly, they faced numerous challenges, including exhaustion, harsh weather, and skepticism from those around them. Many villagers laughed at Yugong, calling him foolish for undertaking such a monumental task.

Despite the mockery, Yugong persisted, believing that if they worked hard and remained dedicated, they would eventually succeed. His motto was simple: “Even if I cannot complete the task in my lifetime, my descendants will continue my work.”

The Heavenly Intervention

As time passed, the gods took notice of Yugong’s unwavering determination. Impressed by his spirit and resolve, they decided to intervene. They sent celestial beings to assist him in his endeavor. With divine help, the mountains began to shift and eventually were moved, creating a clear path for the villagers.

The Legacy

Yugong’s story spread far and wide, symbolizing the virtues of perseverance and dedication. His tale teaches us that with unwavering commitment and hard work, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.

The idiom “Yugong Yishan” has since become a popular expression in Chinese culture, used to encourage people to keep pushing forward despite challenges. It serves as a reminder that determination, even in the face of seemingly impossible tasks, can lead to success.

Conclusion

The story of “Yugong Moves the Mountains” is not just a tale about an old man and his mountains; it embodies the spirit of resilience and the belief that with hard work, one can achieve the extraordinary. It inspires generations to face challenges head-on and never give up on their dreams.